Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler started and played 90 minutes on Tuesday as the United States Men's National Team tied New Zealand 1-1 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Forward Julian Green fired the U.S. ahead on 27 minutes before Monty Patterson equalized in the 72nd minute to split the spoils in the nation's capital. Tuesday's friendly match was the Americans' final tune-up before hosting arch rivals Mexico on Nov. 11 to kick off the Hexagonal round of FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Besler delivered a stout performance in central defense, leading all players with 12 interceptions and three defensive blocks.